Friday, November 16, 2012

Coming Soon: SO MANY NEW BARS

Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 3:11 PM

Look, new places to get inebriated! Let's take a journey together, dear reader:

PARLIAMENT, 811 Washington St., Oakland: According to this place's paperwork, it will be a slightly head-spinning coffeeshop/bar/nightclub hybrid, with the coffeeshop portion of the operation running from 6 a.m.-3 p.m., and then the bar taking over thereafter for a happy hour followed by "a disc jockey, playing music appealing primarily to customers in their 20s and 30s." I couldn't track down the owners, Christopher Newell, Davina Dickens and Jason Bradford, but based on the state of construction at the previously-vacant Old Oakland storefront, I'm estimating it'll be about two or three months until it's open.

LOST AND FOUND BEER GARDEN, 2040 Telegraph Ave., Oakland: This latest venture from the husband-and-wife team of nightlife genuises behind The Layover will be "a beer garden-slash-cafe with emphasis on the garden," according to co-owner Christi Vaughn, but it's also got a distinct good-times-for-a-good cause thing going on: In addition to having twenty beers on tap, a smallish food menu, and plenty of room, the (kid-friendly) space will also act as a job-creation and training hub for organizations that support at-risk youth and recently released felons. "It'll be one of the most relaxing, beautiful places in downtown," Christi said. "If you're into nature, at least." Opening is, appropriately, planned for springtime.

DIVING DOG, 1802 Telegraph Ave.: This place's planning commission case file describes it as a "bar with on-site brewing," room for about 35 people, and food. I describe it as very promising. Details are scant for now, but stay tuned.

HANDLEBAR, 984 University Ave., Berkeley: Grubstreet (and others) bring word of this latest addition to West Berkeley, which is brought to us by Fiveten Burger chef/owner Roland Robles and bears the important distinction of being the East Bay's first bar/restaurant named after a kind of facial hair. There will be a full bar, and, presumably, lots of delicious hamburgers; Robles is aiming for a spring opening.

TROPICANA, 1933 Broadway, Oakland: Back in August, Grubstreet reported that the Historic Sweets Ballroom space at 19th and Broadway would be transformed full-time into something called Tropicana, though details are still roughly as murky now as they were then. We're desperately hoping for something Tiki-y, but will keep you posted as we learn more.

ROSAMUNDE, 911 Washington St., Oakland: SF's much-loved temple to encased meats and alcoholic beverages will finally be unveiling its long-anticipated Oakland outpost next month, according to its website. It'll be next door to Taylor's sausages in Swan's Market, and, again according to its website, will offer "Taylor’s sausages on the menu alongside the Rosamunde favorites" as well as "18 craft beers on tap, plenty of outdoor seating, and catering available to the local community."

AND PROBABLY MORE! If you see something, say something, as they say: Feel free to comment with news/sightings/basless rumors, or email me here.